16 episodes
How Van de Graaff Generators Work John C. Bean - WeCanFigureThisOut.org
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- Science
This podcast is drawn from the "Virtual Lab" of WeCanFigureThisOut.org. This Virtual Lab uses 3D virtual reality animations to explain electronics, microelectronics and nanotechnology. This podcast explains how Van de Graaff generators work by using a motor to separate charges.
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Do you know how Van de Graaff generators work? Let's turn it on.
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To understand what is going on, let's look inside.
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There is only a motor, powering a pulley, connected to a belt, almost touched by a copper comb.
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The pulley is made of a special plastic. Let's fade away all but a few (exaggerated) plastic atoms.
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The pulley's plastic atoms will transfer electrons to the inside of the belt (it's just "static electricity").
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